Buyer's Guide: Choosing a Radial Arm Saw

[@badpillowfly2085]

recently picked up a craftsman 113 model RAS in really good condition with multiple attachments for $70 (rotary planer, molding kit, jointer/planer kit, and a sabre saw attachment) that the guy's father bought new in 1960. It's really neat having a saw that's made a ton of furniture in it's lifetime including a rocking horse the guy still had in his garage. Am absolutely loving it so far. Mainly will be used for cross cutting and this weekend I plan on building the table to make the raised doors you made a video on. Am a novice in woodwork but have been around power tools my whole life so I felt comfortable purchasing after watching your videos, had no idea how useful a RAS was until I came across your page. Thanks a million for making them. Am absolutely loving it so far and am looking forward to building more odds and ends furniture pieces for around the house and outside. Thanks again!

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

@@badpillowfly2085 glad I could help!

[@billmactiernan6304]

Great video. Thank you for making it. I am an amateur furniture builder, but I have three radial arm saws: a Craftsman, an Inca and a DeWalt (home shop). I bought the Craftsman new in the 70s and it is still the most important tool and the centerpiece in my shop. However, I only use these saws for crosscutting and ripping: Dado heads, molding cutters and planer heads just make the tool dangerous. Lastly, the one piece of advise I would add is, when buying a used saw, make sure the anti-ejection pawls come with the saw. They are a necessary safety measure when ripping. Bill MacTiernan

[@flashgordon6238]

Nice job Iain! I think you're the first to do a Radial Arm Saw video in this style.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks! I couldn’t find any real guide to buying a RAS so I figured I should make one.

[@WoodworkingforAnyone]

If you are a hand talker, you have to step back from your blade when you are talking lol. I was puckered up thinking you were about to wang your knuckle on that stationary blade. "KZbinr taken out today by non running radial arm saw and is own exuberance". :) thanks for a really really good video. I learned a lot.

[@Ritalie]

Some important notes about Craftsman radial arm saws, because it's not mentioned much anywhere: 1.) The Craftsman saws (1970's versions) are very good. They are designed very good, and have all metal parts. 2.) The problem with the Craftsman saws, is NOT THE DESIGN. 3.) The problem with the Craftsman saws is that the carriage bearings and bearing "rods" along the arm, are not hardened steel. The bearings that support the carriage, are not precision, high speed bearings, like on the Dewalt saws. 4.) The rods wear flat very quickly without being lubricated on the Craftsman arm. 5.) The carriage bearings weren't properly lubricated from the factory, and are dry, and they seem to be the first thing to wear out on the saws. 6.) The loose carriage bearings that are of low quality, as well as the soft metal rods that flatten out easily, means the carriage doesn't move smoothly, it feels gritty and uneven when you slide it through the range. The bearings also allow a significant amount of "slop" even when the bearings are snugged up very tight against the rods. The bearings themselves are defective, with WAY TOO MUCH clearance internally. 7.) Finding a newer Craftsman RAS that has low hours, or finding a way to replace the rods and bearings on the carriage, will make a Craftsman saw very good.

[@richardhoner7842]

I picked up a DElta 900 today and after a bit of oil and wire brush work it fired right up and cut a perfect 90. I was somewhat stunned by how smooth it ran. The build is amazing.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Those are great saws.

[@dagda825]

Great video. I got a Craftsman Contractor RAS and I love it. In fact I went and got it after watching your videos discussing how to use the RAS. I still have a table saw for back up but 99 percent of my work is done on my Craftsman.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

I’m glad you’re happy with your RAS! They are great machines. Even with three RASs I still have my table saw in my shop too, as a back up and because some things are just easier on a table saw. Box joints come to mind.

[@FrankC76]

I'm just getting into radial arm saws and your videos have been immensely helpful. I have a DeWalt MBF (3/4 HP 9 inch) and a Delta Rockwell 33-562, which is a 1.5 HP 10 Inch turret style saw. I'm having a good time getting them ready for use. Thanks for the great content!

[@Ritalie]

Do you have any videos or reviews with the Delta? I have thought about getting a turret style. When I look at the Delta turret saws, I think it must be superior, and it looks extremely well built and highly accurate? Although, the guy Ed Waggoner Sr., he apparently replaced his old Delta with Dewalt 790, and he seems to like the Dewalt more, although I am not sure why, he doesn't provide a comparison of the two saws.

[@dave_the_bartender4904]

Just got my first radial arm saw today its almost as old as me 34 year old and cant wait to use it

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Nice, what kind is it?

[@dave_the_bartender4904]

@@TheNorthlandWorkshop its a craftsman 10 inch 35 year anniversary

[@monteglover4133]

Thanks for your video on a totally neglected power tool the RAS I am using the Craftsman 10” RAS that my father purchased in the late 60’s, it has been used extensively. I mistakenly purchased a sliding compound miter saw which usually just collects dust, unless I need portability Many of the late 60’s Craftsman RAS are very good saws but avoid the budget 9” saws unless it’s free maybe not even then. Nice ones can often be had for $100 sometimes less. High quality 3/4” particleboard with 1/8” hardboard top seams to make the most stable top.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Yeah, sometimes manufacturers got a little too budget conscious with their lower cost models at the expense of quality.

[@craiglindholm6338]

Thank you so much for bringing love back to radial arm saws! Keep up the great work!

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

Thanks for this video. I have a 1975 Craftsman ras. I used your video on alignment to set it up after building the stand for it. I set it up with removable tables on each side. This gives me 8 ft 5 inches infeed and 8 ft 10inches out feed. Thanks again.🇺🇸😎

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Glad I could help.

[@darrellcurr8977]

I love your videos, you explain things really well I find and I’m not real experienced with a radial arm saw, but l learn really quick. I’m a Jack of all trade type of guy and I find there is absolutely nothing that I can’t do. I’m 64 years old and still have all of my fingers and am always looking for new things to work with and it’s the same with the radial arm saw, I love the versatility of the radial arm saw

[@Ritalie]

The fact that this channel is the only radial arm saw channel, showing rip cuts, dados, and actual radial arm saw comparisons... It means the internet is BORING. The people with their new fancy tools are TOO BORING. You NEED an old radial arm saw. After 25 years using a table saw, and circular saw, AND a sliding compound miter saw (they aren't called chop saws. A chop saw is a metal cutting saw). Using a radial arm saw for the first time, I couldn't believe how much FUN it is to operate. Woodworking is supposed to be FUN. It's the lack of hypoid/worm gears in a radial arm saw, with the brushless induction motor, that makes them whisper quiet. The quiet, relaxed nature of a radial arm saw is a MILLION times better than a SCREAMING 15,000 rpm miter saw motor. Miter saws have to use a gear drive, and they generally all have a motor that has brushes, and the motors just have an awful "whine" to them. A radial arm saw, it just sounds like a big fan motor, it's so quiet. I can run my radial arm saws with no hearing protection at all, it's about 50% quieter than my SCMS saw. The feeling of using a radial arm saw to perform a standard "pull cut" is so precise, so effortless, and so quiet and controlled, there's really no other tool like it. The overall experience is so enjoyable. As far as I'm concerned, my favorite tool of all time is the radial arm saw.

[@gnic76]

I've really enjoyed your RAS vids, my dad had one back in the mid 80's, before sliding miter saws were a thing. Then he sold it later as it took up room in the garage, we had a table saw as well. I just bought a RAS this week, needs cleaning, new table and realigning. Your vids will help out with that, thanks!

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

What kind did you get?

[@gnic76]

@@TheNorthlandWorkshop An older Sears Craftsman model 113.23100 the carriage rollers hang on the outside of arm. The column/arm swivel fine, but the motor yoke and blade tilt don't move.

[@Militarycollector]

You make excellent videos.. very informative.. keep up the good work..👍

[@ajdizzle4shizzle]

Great video. Very informative! Would you happen to know if there is a particular old radial arm saw, 10in and/or above, for which you can still get parts?

[@seanseoltoir]

I recently acquired an old Craftsman 10" radial arm saw (without the metal table) for $50... Maybe not the best deal out there considering the condition, but I wasn't going to haggle as long as the motor was good... He couldn't figure out how to operate all of the adjustments on it, so could not determine how to raise the arm, tilt the blade, or rotate the arm... The slide did work though... None of the lock buttons seemed to move... All in all, I would say that calling it "crusty" would be an understatement -- anything that *could* rust seemed to be rusted... Once I got it home though, I placed it on top of a pair of 30g plastic barrels with a piece of 3/4" plywood across the tops of them as an impromptu "table" so that I could work on it... After quite a bit of WD-40 sprayed in pretty much every place where it could possibly be sprayed and a bit of a web search for the user manual, I eventually got all the lock buttons to work and everything to move, albeit a bit stiffer than I suspect that it was when new... In other words, it's not that different than my old(er) body... :) Since I already have a table saw and compound miter saw, I mainly got this because I wanted something that could do crosscuts on wider boards which would be cumbersome to do on a table saw... One thing though... These saws weigh a lot and are a pain in the butt to move around single handed... I was quickly starting to wish that I had a trolley-mounted chain hoist in my garage...

[@kcl5038]

Thanks for your videos mate! There's a lot of hate for radial arm saws on the internet so I was hesitant to get one. After watching your videos I decided to start shopping around. For half the price of a new compound miter saw I can get a 12" arm saw that will last me the rest of my life. After my second miter saw died on me I decided to leave the miter saw for high precision pieces and do all my rips and 90 degree crosscuts with a RAS. I pulled the trigger on a beautiful 12" 3 1/2hp Dewalt 7790 wired for 240v. I'm pretty sure this is a late 80's model but it feels stout and its a good size for my shop. You think it's a good model? I haven't had a chance to try it yet because im waiting on the electrician to wire my 240 outlet, which is something I've wanted for a while anyway. On that subject I would love to see a video comparing 240 to 120v arm saws. A lot of older tools can be wired to run either one and I'm really not sure how much of a difference it really makes.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

120 vs 240v usually doesn’t make a big difference unless the saw takes a long time to get up to speed or causes the lights to dim when it’s wired for 120v. I see your saw is 3 1/2 hp so that would need 240v to get the most out of it. 1 1/2hp is really the largest hp to run well on 120v.

[@ryananthony4840]

I had a beautiful one I just pitched about 10 years ago STUPIDLY...... I should have not listened to the hype because I grew up around one and never had any issues...... (I wasn't really woodworking at the time so I needed the space too, but I'm buying another one in the next few days!!)

[@mikeking7470]

I have a 9-inch Moto-Miter! Mine may be older than yours since it is factory(?) black paint.

[@ww321]

Thanks for the video. My saw is like your 10" . It seems to be identical except the color

[@joeymatthews3357]

I just picked up a toolkraft model 1000 , it’s in great shape and I’m in love with it. I’m struggling to find any accessories for it online, does anyone have any recommendations on where to look or what other brand attachments work?

[@WKYanks]

That Delta turret saw is an awesome machine as well. Love your videos Iain.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks, I find it amusing that the Delta came out of a high school shop where it spent its life teaching kids and is now on KZbin teaching people about radial arm saws.

[@adamm2716]

lots of information , quick , thanks

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks for watching!

[@martintheron1386]

Hi Lain,which blade do you recommend for a B&D RAS 7770-3 to cross cut as well as to rip.I believe a table saw blade for cross cuts is a no go? Here is South Africa we do not have a large selection of circular saw blade,like negative hook angle etc

[@talltimberswoodshop7552]

Thanks, Iain. Great info here. Tim

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks Tim!

[@tidesrollin5343]

Just got a 12 inch Craftsman. Hope it works out.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

I’m sure it will.

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

I would only run one on 240V….. but I’m an electrician and it doesn’t cost me much to get it that way…… however, with KZbin and the internet today if you’re handy you can probably figure it out….. there are great electrician videos out there

[@Nonya_Business44]

I’m looking at buying a Delta Rockwell Plus 105 and a Dewalt 740. They are in great condition. Are these saw good quality. They are heavy and solid.

[@kevinblair2882]

Nice information that is very well explained!

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@JustFixIt99]

Another solid video Iain. I've completed my set of 3 10" saws now, a craftsman, a rockwell, and a dewalt, and have been working to get them all dialled in for a comparison video as well. All three have advantages. P.S. Weren't your previous videos in 720?

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

I can’t wait to see your video. The world needs more radial arm saw videos. This video should be in 720, I will have to look into that.

[@JustFixIt99]

@@TheNorthlandWorkshop your last one showed up as 480 as well.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks for bringing the resolution thing to my attention. After some digging it looks like I had a setting messed up on my new camera. I’ve changed it so the next video should be in 720 again.

[@JustFixIt99]

@@TheNorthlandWorkshop No worries. They weren't any less enjoyable in 480 to be honest.

[@GNU_Linux_for_good]

00:20 You can't make clean rip cuts with the impact?

[@dre7637]

Great video! Love your channel!

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks!

[@Nonya_Business44]

I am really enjoying you videos. Thanks for the knowledge. I’m looking for a radial saw now. I’ve found a brand new Craftsman 10" Radial Arm Saw model #315220100. Is this a good saw? Or would you suggest one of the older variety?

[@Militarycollector]

You’ve got some really nice good old saws there.. old school.. the only way to go…👍

[@darrellcurr8977]

My saw isn’t an industrial saw by any means but the arm looks cast iron but it does have a plastic cover over the arm! If I find this saw not good enough I will look for a better one!

[@jmc0369]

can the turret arm saws be squared to the table like the comments instead of squaring the table to the machine like a DeWalt?

[@charlesguess1276]

Love the dewalt, well explained.

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks, they are great saws.

[@FantomWireBrian]

All three you have are premium saws. The is an easy difference. Don't buy a cheap Radial ever . Some vintage Sears with cast arms are nice. It's best to start with a 12" saw . All your saws have something in common. They all are cast arms . I have a Delta 12" and I'd have a cheap 10 " , but the one you have is great 😎

[@ToxicSpork]

The radial arm saw was the Betamax of power tools. It was better than the table saw, yet the table saw became more commercially successful

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Usually the cheapest thing wins.

[@ypaulbrown]

outstanding

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

Thanks, I see you have a pancake helmet. Do you do pipeline welding?

[@ypaulbrown]

@@TheNorthlandWorkshop I do not do pipeline, but weld outside alot......thanks for asking, and I am tired of my hood fogging in the humid florida weather......cheers, Paul

[@bobbg9041]

I try to keep my radial arm saws out of the wild or they get wet. Maybe some day they will make a cordless radial arm saw thats also water proof, you can take to the job and use.

[@bobbg9041]

😅

[@TheNorthlandWorkshop]

@@bobbg9041 they used to make a trailer mounted DeWalt with a generator under the table back in the late 40’s.

[@FantomWireBrian]

Most 12" Radial saws will run a 10 " if you need more power and less blade flex .

[@darrellcurr8977]

Yes I have a bandsaw and a Scroll saw, a jig saw! Lol

[@03mars9]

I got a 61 craftsman

[@travisfrrll1]

I pick king

[@danielpuente2857]

Nice video but if you want a real radial arm saw, get yourself a craftsman.

[@AnthonyAnthony-tk4ye]

Nah…. if you spin the head for the left handed miter there will be absolutely no problems if you just clamp it down like a white boy…..

[@johnnyweeks1850]

Not likely to cut your arm off with an impact driver.